Brian Babin: “The U.S. Academic Research Fleet enables us to use state-of-the-art equipment worldwide to conduct cutting-edge science…”

“The U.S. Academic Research Fleet enables us to use state-of-the-art equipment worldwide to conduct cutting-edge science that cannot be performed on land. This fleet is a key factor in making the U.S. research enterprise a global leader. However, our leadership is currently at risk, as it is widely recognized that our adversaries are willing to compromise, undermine, or steal our research. They aim to exploit our discoveries and surpass us as leaders in global technology. We cannot afford to let that happen. To continue making groundbreaking discoveries, we must equip our research vessels with the cybersecurity infrastructure necessary to maintain the integrity of their data and equipment. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”